Still trippin' on the date as I write that.
Hated getting up at 0400 to launch at sunrise. Finally got up at 0415. Picked up the boat and was getting gas at the ass crack of dawn. The boat looked especially shiny and clean in the fluorescent light. It is neither shiny, nor clean, so I took the pic so I could aim for something this offseason when the real work begins.
(https://i.imgur.com/1nvu6Rph.jpeg)
Beat the sun out of the jetty by a c&nt's hair.
(https://i.imgur.com/LB21oIMh.jpeg)
I'd just put on a new 4 blade prop the other day hoping to get on plane quick, more stern lift, and better mid-range performance. This was the only 4 blade prop recommended for a Yamaha F60. As soon as I got out of the gate I was on-and-off cavitating. f@ck! Annoying in the moment, as well as knowing I now have more work ahead of me.
I guesstimated the coastal ledge distance, then slowed down to tie on and put out all 4 of my trollers. Just put in the 4th rod holder yesterday, trying to check into the same asylum that Tom is at with his 5 rod spread. Marlin skirt starboard corner; daisy chain starboard long; Ledge Runner port corner; High Speed Vibe starboard shotgun. Once I had them out, I marveled at how the plugs helped add dimension to the spread, everything a little longer than the next, and on turns the skirts could navigate the space between the plug line's water entries perfectly. Never a tangle all day. Yummy.
(https://i.imgur.com/hEzb4HBh.jpeg)
I was trolling for about 30 minutes before my daisy chain went off. Looked small enough that I barely had to slow down. Still, many lines to navigate. It complied and perfectly danced around the marlin skirt, I went to bounce it, banged it right off the cowling and into the boat. First yellowfin for Concolor!
(https://i.imgur.com/gfyEDdNh.jpeg)
The water glassed out nicely but it was getting a bit hot out there.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZohKbNqh.jpeg)
Thought I saw a couple surface splashes along the way, but they never took an interest in the spread. I did throw a KM out to a splash once while the boat was moving, which could have gotten messy...
I was getting down toward Oceanside and was feeling less life, so turned it around. Reeled up and got back on plane, wanting to skip some dead water and hopefully get hit in the head with some signs to drop the lines back again. Well, first I saw a humpback come up, showing off its fluke. Nice! Then another swimming with it! Idled nearby to see if they would put on a show but they seemed to dive down and disappear.
A mile later, I spot a mako go full aerial! Okay, time to fish. Dropped back all the lines again.
Then another two whales, and another mako going aerial just a couple miles ahead! What a show! Then my daisy chain got doinked but it didn't stick. Went to make a loop around again and 3 other boats trolling by f@cked up my angles and rhythm. No bites as I passed through it.
I felt the day coming to a close as the wind started to put a ripple on the water. I knew the wind would come up a good bit in a few more hours, and I did just upgrade to a 12 gallon tank which should easily take me to 2pm, but the ocean seemed to quiet down. Just as I was thinking of finishing my trolling, this guy rolls up in front of me, middle of the ocean, and stops 150 yards in front of me, apparently as the spot he wanted to relax on the boat with his family. I know we were in no danger, but why stop in front of the only boat around? Because you're an idiot.
(https://i.imgur.com/cs3JiqGh.jpeg)
Too beautiful of a day to harp on that forever. Pulled the lines in and flew in, no cavitation problems in what was following ripples of a sea. 4 Apache helicopters flew hella low just in front of me as I was approaching the harbor. Back in at noon.
Thinking of taking Friday off to launch. Sunday looks like rain again and Saturday's booked, and there is still much to be caught out there.
Well, I hope you get out Friday. I'm going to need something to read about in my post op drugged up state!
Congratulations on Concolors first ahi! Hopefully it just gets better. Love the pics and the story.
Sasquatch went out today for nothing and hopefully we see a report from him, but well... you know...
Bravo again!